For about a decade and a half now, Tampa’s Tim Version has remained one of those bands that, while loved in certain local circles, still seems to be more popular out of town than at home. Over the course of three proper full-lengths, one 10-inch and more 7-inches and comp appearances than one could possibly be expected to remember, the quartet has cross-pollinated Gainesville’s gravel-voiced anthems with its own swampy twang, eventually coming ‘round to influence those groups that originally inspired it while staking out its own unique and fiery blend of country, punk and occasionally existential slice-of-life lyrical storytelling.
After a few unexpected delays, TV’s fourth full-length, Ordinary Life, is here via an LP from No Idea Records, and it’s as easy on the eyes as it is on the ears — our copy came on weighty marbled blue vinyl, and included a bonus 7-inch EP to boot. Sonically, the group continues to incorporate more roots influence into its rollicking sound, without sacrificing an iota of volume, hook or bare-wire execution. For some bands, the balancing act between retaining an identity and evolving in terms of style can be a tough one, but The Tim Version has managed to keep things interesting without stepping too far out of bounds. Good, good stuff.
Show Details: The Tim Version Album Release Party with Plan to Fail, Radarmen, Sun., Jan. 18, at New World Brewery, Ybor City. 7 p.m., $7.
This article appears in Jan 15-21, 2015.